LAS CRUCES - With the upcoming celebration of our nation’s independence on July 4, the Doña Ana County Fire and Emergency Services Department reminds residents and visitors of the current regulations set within the unincorporated areas of the Doña Ana County.

Fireworks allowed to be purchased and discharged within the county are ground and hand-held sparkling and smoking devices such as cone fountains, crackling devices, cylindrical fountains, flitter sparklers, illuminating torches, smoke devices and wheels.

Fireworks prohibited for possession, sale or use within the county limits are aerial spinners, helicopters, mines, missile-type rockets, Roman candles, shells, stick-type rockets, chasers and firecrackers.

County-prohibited fireworks purchased in the City of Anthony, Town of Mesilla or the Village of Hatch can only be possessed or discharged within the boundaries of those perspective municipalities.

Doña Ana County Fire and Emergency Services Department’s fire-prevention division along with Doña Ana County Sheriff’s department will be conducting patrols before, during and after July 4, and any illegal fireworks found will be confiscated. Citations will be issued, as well.

Doña Ana County’s Fire and Emergency Services Department strongly encourages users to discharge fireworks only on paved or barren lands, and with a readily available source of water nearby.

Additional rules and safety guidelines include:

Keep in mind the hour of usage and be considerate of your neighbors, particularly veterans with PTSD.

Bring dogs indoors when fireworks are being used nearby.

Be aware that dry weather conditions have left grasses and weeds susceptible to fire.

Limit use of fireworks to the outdoors and away from combustibles.

Children should never use fireworks without close adult supervision.

Light only one pyrotechnic at a time and move a safe distance away while it ignites.

Purchase fireworks only from licensed vendors.

Follow all label directions carefully.

Safely dispose of all spent casings and debris, and do not torment companion animals or livestock.

Doña Ana County’s Fire and Emergency Services Department can be reached at 575-647-7921.